Democrats spar over corporate money in 2nd, final debate

Published 6:22 pm PDT, Thursday, July 19, 2018 Photo: File, AP Image 1of/1 Caption Close Image 1 of 1 This combination of file photos shows Michigan Democratic gubernatorial candidates from left: former legislative leader Gretchen Whitmer; entrepreneur Shri Thanedar; and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Detroit’s former health director. The three meet for their final televised debate Thursday, July 19, 2018, in Detroit before the Aug. 7 primary. less This combination of file photos shows Michigan Democratic gubernatorial candidates from left: former legislative leader Gretchen Whitmer; entrepreneur Shri Thanedar; and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Detroit’s former … more Photo: File, AP Democrats spar over corporate money in 2nd, final debate 1 / 1 Back to Gallery LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Democrats running for Michigan governor have held their second and final televised debate weeks before the Aug. 7 primary. Abdul El-Sayed and Gretchen Whitmer sparred Thursday night over the influence of corporate money in politics. El-Sayed accuses Whitmer of using “Republican gimmicks” because an allied outside group airing pro-Whitmer ads can use “unlimited corporate money” and has not disclosed its donors. Whitmer counters that El-Sayed — who rejects corporate political action donations — has received $170,000 in donations from corporate executives, and “you can’t be half-pregnant on this one.” The sharp exchange punctuated a debate in which the candidates, including businessman Shri Thanedar, answered questions about business taxes, roads, tariffs and abortion rights.